Being recognized as Hawaii County’s Officer of the Year by the Hawaii State Law Enforcement Officers Association is a reflection upon the entire Hawaii Police Department, not just one officer, said Officer Ryan Domingo.
The 35-year-old South Hilo Patrol officer with nine years of police work under his belt was recently honored by the association for administering live-saving first aid that was critical to the survival of a woman who had been shot multiple times at a Hilo home earlier this year. Though only one officer was recognized at the Sept. 21 Waikiki conference, he feels that everyone involved deserves the same praise.
“It was a big team effort that actually ended up with the victim surviving and the suspect arrested,” Domingo said late Friday night as he began his shift. “It is too bad that I could only be recognized for the award — it should have went to everyone at the scene, even the dispatcher was important.”
Domingo and other officers responded to the May 13 report of a victim with gunshot wounds at the Hilo to find the 55-year-old woman on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood, according to police. Domingo immediately applied pressure to the woman’s wounds to control the bleeding.
The woman, who suffered gunshots to the shoulder, hand, knee and thigh, believed she was going to die, according to police. For more than 20 minutes, Domingo remained at her side, keeping her focused and calm. The department said his care and compassion were critical in saving the woman’s life.
He also obtained important evidence by recording his conversation with the woman, according the police. The woman is expected to make a full recovery following months of rehabilitation.
The man police arrested in connection with the shooting, Joseph Amormino Sr. of Hawaiian Beaches was charged with first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree attempted murder, burglary and four firearms offenses. He has pleaded not guilty and goes on trial March 4.
Domingo attributes his actions at the scene to instincts, police training and knowledge he said his wife, a Hawaii Fire Department medic, shared with him. He also expressed gratitude to the department for his nearly 10-year career, which began with two years manning the cellblock.
West Hawaii Today was unable to reach Police Chief Harry Kubojiri for comment.
The HSLEOA conference, now in its 59th year, is held annually to reinforce relationships between county, state, federal and military law enforcement agencies. It also recognizes a handful of law enforcement personnel during the event.